There are some truly amazing people within your communities, and we wanted to make sure that everyone is recognised for their achievements and contributions to making where you live a better, brighter place.
This year, you nominated in your hundreds to recognise the inspirational people and groups who are making a positive contribution to your neighbourhood. We recently revealed the winners of the 2023 Be Proud Awards at the Involved Tenant Christmas Party which is dedicated to celebrating remarkable individuals and groups.
Here’s a closer look at the heart-warming stories behind the winners and the differences they have made in your neighbourhoods!
Fitton Hill – Dad’s Group
Dad’s group is an amazing group which support the mental health and wellbeing of men. It is a fun and safe environment for them to share their life experiences and seek support. They meet weekly and do all kinds of activities that supports good mental health. They have done a dance showcase to raise money for charity, this was a massive achievement for a group of men who have never danced. Yet, they got up on stage to perform after months of practice. Dad’s group is open to all, you don’t have to be a Dad to attend. All the members are positive role models and support the younger members of the group.
Stockbridge Village – Safari Kids Club
Safari Kids Club is run by amazing volunteers, some who go above and beyond to make it successful for the community. This is a place for children to go; they make it so special for them by providing fun days out and it doesn’t cost a fortune.
Salford – Tigermoth
This group has ran Play Streets in the holidays as well as surgeries with the police. They look after everyone that comes in whether that’s listening to their problems, helping them fill in forms, making calls or signposting. It’s a community hub as much as it is a pub.
Fitton Hill – Kim Rogers
Kim is amazing person, she helps a lot of people. She is kind, caring and lovely to all of the community and is there for families who are struggling. Kim is the glue of the community and helps to make things go well in Fitton Hill. The passion she has for helping people amazes everyone she comes into contact with and Fitton Hill is definitely a better place due to her contributions at work. Kim does amazing work for the community; she helps provide services all year round and deserves the recognition for her hard work.
Stockbridge Village – Leanne Jones
Leanne goes above and beyond as a volunteer. She supports 12 community projects as well as supporting all the other volunteers. On top of this, she has just done her first HAF summer program for all the children and families of Stockbridge Village.
Stockbridge Village – Beth Flexen
Beth goes above and beyond with the children and families in Play Streets. Nothing is too much trouble for her. The children and families absolutely love her. Beth was amazing on the volunteer day and she was more than happy to get her hands dirty by litter picking in Stockbridge Village. She’s amazing! She goes above and beyond for all of the community groups and she is also a listening ear for anyone who is not feeling themselves. Beth is extremely appreciated.
Salford – Karen Gardiner
Karen has recently lost her late husband Ed to cancer but she has continued to put on a brave face for her customers. She provides multiple projects to raise funds for charity, her kind heart fills up the room and her generosity is amazing. She always provides a friendly face and gives great advice when you need it. She even helps struggling families when they don’t have enough money for food.
Fitton Hill – The Salvation Army
The holiday programme has been running for a few years now but during 2023 it has hit new levels. With over 140 young people coming on certain days, and coming in contact with over 300 young people overall is amazing. The support the team give to the families as a whole cannot go unnoticed and winning this award is very fitting to the hard work they put in.
Stockbridge Village – Flourish and Succeed
Flourish and Succeed is a community group who provide valuable services within Stockbridge Village helping lots of people of all ages with their group meetings and activities. The services that they offer makes such a positive impact to the community.
Salford – Snack and Chat
Snack and Chat run every month for vulnerable older people. They provide lunch and entertainment and speakers as well as signposting and advice. For some people that attend, it’s the only social event they go to and it provides connection with the outside world.
Fitton Hill – Lisa Clark
Lisa has had a few mental health problems in the past, and joining different groups has really helped her. She encourages people to join, she’s always there to help others and nothing is too much trouble for her. Lisa is well liked in the community. She’s helped many people who have had the same problems she’s had in the past. Plus, Lisa goes above and beyond to help local families during these tough times. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her.
Stockbridge Village – Pam Richards
Pam goes above and beyond for the community. She does great work at Safari Kids Club, she looks for funding which includes getting free packed lunches for the children at the club. She runs a café twice a week to support with the cost of living crisis. She delivered a uniform recycling shop for the parents and community. She gives up her time for the community at the food bank and gives her time to Lindale Centre to support those with cancer. She works hard to ensure the community in Stockbridge has access to free activities and is always looking for new projects to support the community’s needs. This support is not just for children who attend Safari Kids, she looks to support all the children and families in the area.
Salford – Vincent Nield
Vinny created the Allotment for Veterans group to offer support to veterans. The allotment has been a great success and has supported many veterans with complex issues. Due to this success, Vinny has been developing a woodwork group so that veterans can be involved in creative projects with a real focus on mental and physical health, connectedness and a sense of purpose. Vinny has a genuine drive to improve the lives of veterans, having served in the Army himself. He has demonstrated energy and commitment and has dedicated so much of his time to help other people. There’s also been some recent challenges but Vinny continues to find solutions for the allotment and development of the workshop.
Fitton Hill – Ryan Lowe
Ryan has come on leaps and bounds with supporting the young people and their families in Fitton Hill. He has been volunteering for around 5 years and his confidence, knowledge and ability has soared. He will make an excellent community worker in the future. Ryan goes out of his way to support others. Plus, he is always giving his free time to support the community and has become a mentor to young people.
Stockbridge Village – Elliot Greco
Elliott is a full time student yet still finds time to volunteer in the Food Club and is a member of the Community Voice. He is also a part of the sight loss council and is a champion of rights for those with a visual impairment like himself
Salford – Sasha Carter
Sasha volunteers her time at Westwood Community Centre. She supports with administration, group support and making sure the centre is clean and ready to be used. Sasha gives support to the groups that run their projects from the centre and has also supported by applying for funding so that groups can deliver their projects for the community. Sasha has shown real commitment to her volunteering and is always happy to help people that come to the centre. Sasha has shown enterprise and passion for the youth group and holiday provision and she is always happy to do arts and crafts with the groups.
Latest News
26/04/2024
